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Credit Card Articles

Articles about choosing the right credit card, and how to get the most from the ones you have.
 
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Recent Articles

A man and woman moving a new couch into their living room.
Sept. 11, 2020 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

This 1 Move Boosted My Credit Score by More Than 80 Points

After rebuilding my credit, here's how I took things to the next level.
A man and woman sitting at opposite ends of a table in an office meeting room for a job interview.
Sept. 11, 2020 | By Dana George

Can Bad Credit Keep You From Getting a Job?

Poor credit can make it tougher to get a job, especially if the position involves managing money. But here are some things you can do to mitigate the situation.
A woman selecting produce at a grocery store.
Sept. 11, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Why You Shouldn't Make Small Purchases on a Credit Card to Keep It Open

Discover why you shouldn't follow the typical advice about using a credit card regularly just so the card issuer won't cancel it.
Man in suit running away from a wrecking ball that says DEBT
Sept. 5, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Why People With Good Credit Scores Have the Most Credit Card Debt

Consumers with good credit carry much more credit card debt than any other group. Here's what makes them more susceptible to overspending.
Someone pays with a contactless credit card.
Sept. 4, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Retail Trends: Contactless Credit Cards, BNPL, and More

Check out the most recent retail trends and find out how people are shifting to new payment methods because of the coronavirus.
A woman swiping her credit card in the payment machine being held over the counter by a cafe cashier.
Sept. 4, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

How a Budget Can Help You Pick the Best Credit Card

Looking for a new credit card? Learn a simple and easy way to use your budget to find the rewards credit card that will get you the most value.
A man testing out laptops in an electronics store.
Sept. 3, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

The 3 Biggest Dangers of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Services

"Buy now, pay later" services can save you money, but they aren't risk-free. Check out their biggest dangers before you use one.
Chalkboard that says Credit Score with decreasing levels of stars and a hand checking the box next to 5 stars
Sept. 2, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

How to Protect Your Credit Score During COVID-19

If you're not careful, the economic impact of COVID-19 could hurt your credit. Find out how to keep your credit score safe throughout the pandemic.
Woman on sofa with credit card in her hand and laptop.
Sept. 1, 2020 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

If You're Considering a Balance Transfer Card, Time May Be Running Out

Some 0% APR balance transfer offers have disappeared, others have shortened introductory periods. Used wisely, these could help you become debt free.
A woman sitting in front of her laptop holding a credit card and looking worried.
Sept. 1, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

How Much Should You Deposit When Getting a Secured Credit Card?

Secured credit cards often give you a range of deposit options. Figure out how much you should deposit and how this can affect your credit.
A young man on his couch holding a credit card and his phone.
Aug. 31, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Capital One Cuts Some Borrowers' Credit Limits

If you're a Capital One cardholder, your credit limit may have been reduced. Find out why and what this can mean for your credit score.
A group of friends drinking wine around a cheese plate on a picnic table in a vineyard.
Aug. 25, 2020 | By Lindsay VanSomeren

Grand Reserve World Mastercard: Worth the Hype?

The Grand Reserve™ World Mastercard® is the first card to focus on wine enthusiasts. Find out whether this is just a generic boxed wine repackaged as a nice vintage.
A man sitting at a desk with his laptop open and looking stressed with his chin in his hands.
Aug. 24, 2020 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

The Newest FICO Credit Score Measures How Well You Can Withstand a Recession

You might have great credit now, but what would happen if you lost your job or a recession hit? FICO's Resilience Index is designed to predict just that.
A man standing in front of a wall of TVs in an electronics store.
Aug. 22, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

4 Good Reasons to Use 'Buy Now, Pay Later' -- and 2 Bad Ones

Discover why consumers use "buy now, pay later" services and find out when it's a good idea.
Man using a laptop and holding a credit card.
Aug. 18, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Boost Your Credit Score With This New Free Tool From Amex

The Amex Score Goals tool offers lots of valuable information on your credit. Find out how it can help you get a better credit score.
A man working on a laptop while sitting at a window table.
Aug. 13, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

How Free Credit Scores Can Be Misleading

That free credit score may not be as helpful as you think. Learn why free credit scores don't tell the whole story, and how to better gauge your credit.
A man sitting in an armchair and typing into his laptop while holding a credit card in one hand.
Aug. 12, 2020 | By Elizabeth Aldrich

How a Rewards Card Can Save You a Fortune When You Shop Online

Online shopping portals help you earn extra points, miles, or cash back on purchases you already planned to make.
A woman standing on the sunny tarmac and waiting to board a plane.
Aug. 7, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Southwest Credit Cards Roll Out Big Limited-Time Bonuses

Sign-up bonuses on Southwest's credit cards just got a lot better. See the new offers and find out how long they'll last.
Suitcases plane
Aug. 7, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

United Credit Cards Now Offer Up to 100,000 Bonus Miles

Find out which United credit cards have upgraded their sign-up bonuses, and how many more miles you can earn.
Businessman holding card that says credit score, with categories ranging from excellent to poor.
July 29, 2020 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

Here's What Americans' FICO® Scores Look Like -- How Do You Compare?

The average American doesn't have a perfect credit score. How does your score measure up to others'? Compare your score -- and learn more about interpreting it -- in our analysis.
A man sitting on his couch and holding a credit card while looking up something on his phone.
July 25, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

How Algorithms Could Make It Harder to Get Credit Card Bonuses

Credit card companies could limit your bonus opportunities. Find out about how potential changes might affect you.
A man using a touchless reader that a barista is holding to pay with his credit card at a cafe.
July 1, 2020 | By Dana George

5 Ways Credit Cards May Change in the Next 3 Years

Credit cards in the future are likely to be much more secure and even easier to use. From mobile payment to facial recognition, here's what you can expect.
Woman with credit card in her hand using cellphone while reclining on sofa.
June 25, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Verizon Launches New Credit Card With No Annual Fee and Big Rewards

If you're a Verizon customer, then its new credit card should be on your radar. Here's why.
A woman in a cafe sitting at a table with her laptop and holding a credit card.
June 6, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Should You Save Cash by Only Making Minimum Credit Card Payments?

Find out if it's a good idea to pay the minimum on your credit card so you can keep more cash on hand during the coronavirus pandemic.
A man on a phone call while sitting in front of his laptop.
June 2, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

What You Should Do Before Canceling Your Travel Card Due to Coronavirus

If you want to cancel your travel credit card because you're not using its perks during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are a few important steps you should take.